A handful of starting defenders and key reserves were given an extra day to heal up from last Sunday’s game against the Rams on Wednesday. All of them were back on the field except for Nick Barnett on Thursday, but they were full go.

Marcell Dareus (shoulder), Jairus Byrd (shin), Leodis McKelvin (groin), Spencer Johnson (ankle) and Kyle Williams (ankle) were all given Wednesday off. All five were back on the practice field Thursday, but were limited.

Stevie Johnson tops the list of players that are questionable for Sunday’s game against the Rams.

After practicing on just a limited basis Thursday and Friday, Johnson was listed as questionable, but head coach Chan Gailey did not sound concerned about his top receiver’s availability on Sunday against the Rams, though he did indicate that they’ll see how he is for Saturday’s walk through practice before making a final call.

“He did better,” said Gailey. “He did better today than he was yesterday. We’re going to see how he is tomorrow morning before we make the full decision.”

Johnson has assured all week that he will play Sunday.

Head coach Chan Gailey also said that Leodis McKelvin “is fine.” He’s expected to play Sunday despite being listed as questionable. Justin Rogers is considered to be in the same boat.

Here are the rest of Buffalo’s questionable players for Sunday’s game.

Bills TE Scott Chandler is still moving gingerly on his badly sprained ankle suffered two weeks ago in practice, but he got through a second straight day giving head coach Chan Gailey hope that he’ll be able to go come Saturday.

“Chandler was limited, but he looked good,” said Gailey. “I think we’ve got a decent chance to have Scott this week.”

Johnson has insisted he’ll be fine to play on Saturday as well though he too was limited again on Thursday.

Johnny White (concussion) and Ruvell Martin (hamstring) are not looking good for Saturday’s game after missing practice again on Thursday.